Norris Jay Bowman

Norris Jay Bowman, son of Maury Kyle and Arlene (Peters) Bowman, was born July 13, 1967 in Franklin County, VA. He passed away suddenly on November 6, 2023 while driving a semi-truck near Ridgeway, VA, which resulted in a fiery accident. This made his sojourn on earth 56 years, 3 months and 24 days.

On November 11, 1983 at the age of 16, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour and was baptized into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church. He was a member of the Pigg River district.

Norris was united in marriage with Mary Kathaleen (Kathy) Austin on August 3, 1985. This union was blessed with three children, daughter Bethany (Randall) Layman; sons, Jordan (Rolanda) Bowman and Kidron (Colleen) Bowman.

Left to mourn his passing are his companion of 38 years; his children; and his grandchildren, who brought so much joy to his life: Conrad, Saylor, Cyrus, and Matthan Layman; Gyles and Gatlin Bowman; and Kalina and Kelsey Bowman; brothers, Doug (Susan) Bowman and Floyd (Mary Louise) Bowman; sisters, Beverly (Daniel) Wisler and Hazel Slothour; step-sisters, Cora Mae (Brent) Bowman and Pauline (Calvin) Montgomery; step-brother, Isaac Brunk and friend Donna; mother-in-law, Jane Austin; brothers-in-law, Kermit (Kim) Austin and Howard (Penny) Austin; sister-in-law, Nelda (Charles) Lesher; uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Norris was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warren; an infant sister; father-in-law, Roger Austin; stepfather, W. Randolph Brunk; and brother-in-law, Samuel Slothour.

He dearly loved the brotherhood and had a heart for the discouraged and struggling. He was a loving companion, caring daddy, and a wonderful granddaddy. The message left to the family at the scene of the accident was “Jesus Loves.” May we all press onward toward that goal.

Funeral services will be conducted at Pigg River Old German Baptist Brethren Church, 10:00 a.m. Sunday, November 19, 2023. Interment will follow in Franklin Clearview Cemetery. His family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Friday and 2-4, 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.